What do roof lanterns in St Albans involve?
Our roof lanterns service in St Albans covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Larger gardens in much of the South East mean deeper rear extensions, and deeper rooms need light from above rather than only from the doors. In St Albans, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
St Albans sits about 8 km from Harpenden and 8 km from Hatfield, and we cover the whole AL1 postcode district and the roads in between.
What you can choose
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Opening vents with electric control
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Can include opening vents
Things we check at survey
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning and building rules for St Albans
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do roof lanterns cost in St Albans?
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the AL1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits St Albans, measures and checks structure and access.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Roof lanterns near St Albans
Other services in St Albans
Roof lanterns in St Albans: questions
Do roof lanterns get hot?
They can in summer if clear glass is used on a south-facing roof. Solar-control glass and an opening vent make a big difference.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Can a lantern go on an existing extension?
Yes, if the flat roof structure can be opened up and trimmed. We check joists and the roof build-up at survey.
Will I need planning permission in St Albans?
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line.
How do I book a survey in St Albans?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
